Flexography

"Flexo"
printing is the most common label printing method. Solvent, water
and UV inks are available. Low cost plastic plates are used to transfer
the ink to the base film. Many flexo presses allow the label manufacturer
to print, laminate and die-cut the label in line and this makes flexography
suitable for longer runs of labels. Most flexo labels are sold in
a roll form. Examples of flexo labels include labels on detergent,
toothpaste and certain RTK labels and paper tags. Typically, Flexo
printing is not used when either large areas of solid color are needed
nor if the label must last outdoors.

This traditional print method typically uses either a rotary bit or a high power laser.
The rotary (or Pantograph) technique requires only a high speed spindle and a simple desk top engraver.
The surface layer of the plastic or metal surface is removed and this exposes, typically, the contrasting color of the material core.
In some cases, the engraved letter can also be filled. Laser or raster engraving is much more precise and can mimic most fonts.
The laser burns or vaporizes the top layer away.

Two contrasting colors are permanently fused to each other, creating a
slight profile between the layers. The TactileTouch method is also used to create Raster Braille ? dots
follow the Grade II standards. Braille dots are precision cut and pressure fit, TactileTouch signs are
used for Room ID, restroom signs, ADA door signs and Exit signage.

Screen printing is the most durable of all common printing techniques.
This process "lays down" a very thick layer of pigment and this
extends outdoor life. Both solvent and UV inks are common, with the
UV inks imparting good chemical resistance. Most signs and pipe makers
are screen printed. Other screen printed products include the design
on a CD-ROMs, many automotive nameplates, the defrost screen on a
car's rear window or the decoration on china plates.

Offset printing is the most common method of printing paper. Offset
equipment and set-up costs are high, but, for long runs, offset printing
is very fast and very inexpensive. Starting with an image that is
etched onto a metal plate, ink is transferred to an intermediary surface
such as a rubber blanket, and finally applied to paper or a tag substrate
by pressing this substrate against the intermediary surface.

The print is sealed into the anodized
layer of the aluminum. The print cannot be washed off. In addition,
embedded black graphics are metallic silver particles that resist
heat, chemicals and sunlight. Withstands up to 1000°F. Anodized/Photographic
plates are commonly used by ships to identify equipment or by utilities
to permanently mark poles. Anodized/Photographic plates are also ideal for one-of-a-kind
signs and are commonly used for awards and dedication plaques.

Heat
is used to transfer a resin or wax-based ink from a foil to the base
film. Traditionally, thermal printing, often called "Hot Stamping",
was accomplished using a heated platen and an impact head. In the
1970’s faster and lower-cost thermal transfer printers directed
at the warehouse label, UPC and packaging markets emerged. In the
1990’s, lower-cost color thermal printers emerged. Resin ribbons
were used to transfer colored inks to flexible label substrates.
Thermal printing is well suited for short-runs of labels and signs.
One-of-a-kind information can be easily added to the label.

Digital printing has revolutionized the label market. The first commercial liquid toner presses were introduced in the late 80’s. Only recently, however, the economics and quality have changed to favor digital printing over most other techniques.
Our presses use up to seven colors simultaneously to produce both full color process labels, fluorescent colors, spot colors and, even, white. Art work does not need plates. The printing can be completely variable. Bar codes, serial numbers, etc. can be different on each label. The press handles both rolls and sheets of label materials. Our state-of-the-art can print runs of labels from a single label to 50,000. Labels are often overlaminated or digitally die-cut.

Prevent soliciting and proselytizing in your premises with this highly visible designer ShowCase Wall sign. A durable design and a range of color options ensure that your message remains new and elegant for years.

• ShowCase™ signs feature subsurface graphics and an elegant border on thick acrylic. They are ideal for apartments, hotels, schools and offices.

• Order with magnetic strips or Hoop and Loop Fastner for fast installation. Or, for most sizes, order your ShowCase™ sign with a molded frame. Use our molded plastic frames for enhanced architectural appeal.

• Peel-and-stick foam adhesive included with every order.

• 125 mil thick (1/8" thick) signs are sturdy and stand up to abuse.

• ShowCase signs are primarily for indoor use, but can be used outdoors for approximately 3 years. It's recommended to mount the sign in an area that isn't constantly exposed to sunlight and on a smooth surface that is receptive to adhesive. Do not drill into the sign as it will crack.